iPad (3rd generation)

The iPad (3rd generation) (marketed as the new iPad, colloquially referred to as the iPad 3) is a <a href="/facts/Tablet_computer/6pGX2I7b">tablet computer</a> developed and marketed by <a href="/facts/Apple_Inc./oTJYta3k">Apple Inc.</a> It is the third device in the <a href="/facts/IPad/Ql67x0Dw">iPad</a> line of <a href="/facts/Tablet_computer/6pGX2I7b">tablets</a>. It added a <a href="/facts/Retina_Display/J3zIpXba">Retina Display</a>, the new <a href="/facts/Apple_A5X/8tmojSXE">Apple A5X</a> chip with a <a href="/facts/Multi-core_processor/ABNb65hQ">quad-core</a> <a href="/facts/Graphics_processing_unit/PTK1RQVp">graphics processor</a>, a 5-megapixel camera, HD <a href="/facts/1080p/Hs7cm6Mv">1080p</a> video recording, <a href="/facts/Digital_dictation/9Sk80e6C">voice dictation</a>, and support for <a href="/facts/LTE_(telecommunication)/72QhwXHT">LTE</a> networks in North America. It shipped with iOS 5, which provides a platform for audio-visual media, including <a href="/facts/E-book/yrBWpU8E">electronic books</a>, periodicals, films, music, computer games, presentations and web browsing.
Six variations of the third-generation iPad were offered, compared to nine in the United States and Canada, although some countries had only the <a href="/facts/Wi-Fi/u94quCsx">Wi-Fi</a> only model. Each variation was available with black or white front glass panels, with options for 16, 32, or 64 GB of storage. In North America, connectivity options were Wi-Fi only, Wi-Fi + <a href="/facts/4G/Lfq6mSxl">4G</a> (<a href="/facts/LTE_(telecommunication)/72QhwXHT">LTE</a>) on <a href="/facts/Verizon_Wireless/3I3kcgEm">Verizon</a>, <a href="/facts/AT%26T_Mobility/2Sln5hLq">AT&T</a>, <a href="/facts/Telus_Mobility/ljCp0B4H">Telus</a>, <a href="/facts/Rogers_Wireless/R2GH3Hah">Rogers</a>, or <a href="/facts/Bell_Mobility/nEpcUJHJ">Bell</a>. For the rest of the world outside North America, connectivity options are Wi-Fi only (on the Wi-Fi model) or Wi-Fi + 3G (on the Wi-Fi + Cellular model), with the latter unavailable in some countries, as 4G (LTE) connectivity for the device is not available outside North America. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model includes GPS capability.
Initially, the cellular version was titled and marketed worldwide as the "Wi-Fi + 4G" model, but due to regional differences in classification of 4G (LTE) connectivity outside of North America, Apple later rebranded and altered their marketing to call this the "Wi-Fi + Cellular" model.
The tablet was released in ten countries on March 16, 2012. It gained mostly positive reviews, earning praise for its Retina display, processor and 4G (LTE) capabilities. However, controversy arose when the <a href="/facts/LTE_(telecommunication)/72QhwXHT">LTE</a> incompatibilities became known. Three million units were sold in the first three days.
After only seven months (221 days) of official availability, the third-generation iPad was discontinued on October 23, 2012, following the announcement of the <a href="/facts/IPad_(4th_generation)/Qy2rPgfD">fourth-generation iPad</a>. The third-generation iPad had the shortest lifespan of any <a href="/facts/IOS/mK5cggH5">iOS</a> product. It was the last iPad to support the 30-pin dock connector, as the <a href="/facts/IPad_(4th_generation)/Qy2rPgfD">fourth-generation</a> to <a href="/facts/IPad_(9th_generation)/19pRAHNB">ninth-generation iPad</a> use the <a href="/facts/Lightning_(connector)/zYvT8Yap">Lightning connector</a>.

iPad (3rd generation) open-in-new

iPad (3rd generation)